Community Choir Concert Project 2026

Our Cologne Philharmonic Choir Collaboration Project is entering its third round: eight choirs from Cologne have been invited to create a varied concert programme under the artistic direction of Hayat Chaoui, which will be performed at the Open Philharmonic on 3 October 2026.

This year’s project centres on the theme of connection – as a vibrant sense of togetherness and as the creation of musical relationships. The element of water also plays an inspiring role: as a symbol of flow, movement, interconnectedness and harmony. The result is a programme that brings connections to life through sound – between choirs, cultures and individual voices.

What makes this project special is that, through so-called choir partnerships (tandems), choirs will rehearse ‘tandem songs’ together with a partner choir (where appropriate, also in the language of that choir’s culture), and the choirs are invited to rehearse one of their own songs (a cappella) that fits the central theme. In addition, there will be one song that all participating choirs will rehearse and perform together.

At the concert itself, the entire hall becomes a stage, as the audience is also invited to sing along at selected points! Admission to the Community Choir Concert and all other events organised by the Offene Philharmonie on 3 October 2026 is free.